Riding for a reason... in Rajasthan

Supporter Simon Durant shares recollections from his recent fundraising ride through Rajasthan to raise money to help save and change children’s lives…

The six-day ride, covering up to 55 miles a day, took in the pink city of Jaipur, Ramthambore National Park - home to tigers - and the old abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, before finishing at India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal.

What inspired you to sign up for the challenge?

The thirst for different cultures: something less European and more of an unknown challenge.

Did the ride meet your expectations? Did it exceed them?

Yes, but perhaps it’s not good to expect too much as we are inflicting ourselves on another country’s way of life.

What was a particular high point of the trip?

The lovely warmth shown by local people seeing us passing by their everyday lives. People who have little to share were always so happy to see our European ‘circus’ pedalling passed their homes.

Seeing a tiger wild in the national park was just awesome - so sad but also such a luxury.

Any low points?

Seeing the pollution and lack of waste control.

You took part in our London to Paris ride in July, and our Essex 100 in September… did it help with your training?

Yes! Training is essential as it makes it so much more enjoyable and it’s good not to hold up the rest of the group.

Why would you encourage others to support Action Medical Research?

Helping children is very rewarding as they have their whole lives in front of them.